The thread of the match: an ordeal for Ivory Coast
In a decisive meeting for their CAN journey, Ivory Coast faced Equatorial Guinea. Unfortunately, what should have been a match of hope turned into a real nightmare for the Elephants. They were humiliated by Nzalang with a score of 4-0.
From the kick-off, the Ivorian players seemed determined to take the advantage. Nicolas Pépé was particularly fit, but clumsiness in front of goal was their main obstacle. Despite the numerous chances created, the Elephants lacked the precision to make it happen.
Equatorial Guinea finally took the lead just before half-time, thanks to an incursion into the Ivorian defense. Carlos Akapo managed to find his captain Nsué, who scored his fourth goal of the competition. This goal was a big blow for Ivory Coast, especially since Nigeria scored almost simultaneously in the other group match.
In the second half, despite the encouragement of the Ivorian public, things continued to get complicated for the Elephants. Two goals were disallowed for offside, adding to their growing frustration. Equatorial Guinea took the opportunity to increase the score, with goals from Pablo Ganet and Nsué.
Ivory Coast’s ordeal ended without them being able to reduce the gap. Spectators began to leave the stands, while those who remained expressed their displeasure by booing the players. It’s a nightmarish evening for the Ivorian team.
Now, the Ivorians must wait for the results of the other groups to know their fate in the competition. Elimination in the first round would be a real disappointment for a team which had great ambitions.
In conclusion, the match against Equatorial Guinea was a real ordeal for Ivory Coast. Clumsiness in front of goal and unfavorable refereeing decisions dealt a heavy blow to their progress at the CAN. Hopefully the Elephants can find a burst of energy and advance to the knockout stages.